Western sanctions and even military strikes are failing to stop Iran’s nuclear program for one key reason: it’s not funded by the official economy. -Instead, a “secretive commercial empire” run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) finances the effort.

President Pezeshkian declares Iran is 'fully prepared' for renewed conflict with Israel despite ongoing ceasefire, claiming U.S. strikes failed to eliminate Iran's nuclear capabilities.

Operation Midnight Hammer—represent a landmark shift in the escalating war among Iran, Israel, and America. Conducted on June 21, 2025, this was more than another military exercise in a region that has grown accustomed to tension.

Now that the rhetorical debris has settled from Israel’s 12-day war with Iran, there’s growing evidence that Iran’s nuclear program suffered such severe damage that it will be neutered for at least a year, and probably far longer.

Iran Watch ominously warns that “20 percent enriched uranium is approximately 90% of the way to weapon-grade and Iran’s stockpile would be sufficient to fuel at least two implosion weapons.” Plus, if further enriched, eventually Khamenei’s 5% stockpile could be used to “fuel at least 10 implosion weapons.”

Iran announced on June 28, 2025, that it has ended its cooperation with the IAEA. It removed the monitoring devices, including surveillance cameras, from centrifuge halls.

"We cannot give up enrichment because it is an achievement of our own scientists. And now, more than that, it is a question of national pride," Araghchi told Fox.